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Caribbean Land Operators

Have you planned a terrific trip for a client on a cruise ship but aren't sure what direction to point them in once they set foot on solid land? Here are a few land operators in the Caribbean that will offer your client a first-hand look at the region—be it a fairytale wedding, swimming with the sharks or a Black River safari.

Tropical Weddings Jamaica

If your client is planning on a Caribbean
wedding, then Tropical
Weddings Jamaica is the way to go. The company provides wedding vow
renewals, reception caterings and exclusive wedding planning services
throughout the island. Locations include Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, RunawayBay,
DiscoveryBay, as well as private villas and
cruise ship shore-side ceremonies. Tropical Weddings Jamaica says that it can
pull off almost anything, and only defines its limits by your client's budget
and imagination. "We tailor the package to whatever they want,"
Almarie Walters, wedding specialist, says. One time the company put together a
wedding where the bride rode down the aisle on a horse.

Besides trying to make even the most unusual request come
true, Tropical Weddings Jamaica offers convenience—they pick up your client at
the hotel or the cruise ship and there is no paperwork—all of that is taken
care of prior to arrival. Note: The United
States and many other countries legally recognize all
weddings that the company organizes in Jamaica.

Travel agents receive 10 percent commission on wedding
packages. A 50 percent deposit is required at the time of booking and a final
balance is due 60 days prior to the wedding date. If a wedding is canceled for
any reason, $300 of the deposit is non-refundable; this covers document
processing and marriage license fees. If canceled within 30 to 60 days of the
wedding, 50 percent of the deposit is non-refundable. Travel agents sending
their clients can contact Wedding Specialist Almarie Walters at 876-407-6767 or
info@tropicalweddingsjamaica.com.

My Tropic Escape

If your client is heading to the Caribbean
but a dream wedding might not be on the list of things to do, check out My Tropic Escape, which
specializes in private and customized tours. "We don't want people to just
experience the sun, sand and sea," says Nabila Angus, the company's office
manager, who also handles reservations. "We take them into the heartland
of Jamaica."

The company caters to corporations for incentives, offers
private transfers in luxury SUVs and helps with events and incentive groups.
The company is also Virtuoso's only on-site in Jamaica.

Recently, My Tropic Escape hosted an incentive group from Canada, which
consisted of 120 people. The group took part in a wide range of activities,
which included catamaran sailing and a Black River
safari. My Tropic Escape does not offer a commission but presents a net rate to
travel agents who may then add their commission to the company's net rate. My
Tropic Escape then charges the client's credit card for the total cost and
remits the agents commission via check by mail within two weeks of the
bookings' completion. Travel agents sending their clients can contact Office
Manager Nabila Angus (info@mytropicescape.com).

Shoretrips
can also make your clients' stay in the Caribbean
memorable. They arrange everything from swimming with sharks to wine cellar
tours. For more information, see "Shoretrips Corners Excursion
Market," Travel Agent, April 16, 2007.